Chemical spill prompts evacuation of area in downtown Lockport

Fire crews in southwest suburban Lockport on Monday evening worked to contain a chemical spill that led to an evacuation in its downtown area.

Less than 100 gallons of the 6,200 gallons of xylene spilled from a tanker truck near the intersection of 9th and State streets about 4 p.m., officials with the Lockport Township Fire Protection District said.

The driver for Heniff Transportation Systems noticed the leak near 8th Street and pulled over about a block away, Lockport Township Assistant Fire Chief Dave Skoryi said. The spill spread about 300 feet between 8th and 9th streets, leading fire officials to evacuate a nearby barbershop, a bar and at least nine apartments, Skoryi said at the scene. No injuries were reported.

Xylene is a highly flammable industrial chemical used as a solvent. The chemical was loaded at a nearby terminal to be taken to a plant in Mississippi, officials said.